Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) on Wednesday opened an interactive environmental education centre where children can play different games while learning to conserve nature.

As personified by Swedish climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg’s school strikes, young people worldwide are taking the lead in conserving the environment and demanding a sustainable future.

Speaking when she launched the centre in Lilongwe, Florida Banda, director of secondary education, said education helps create a generation that values and protects the environment.

Banda cuts a ribbon to mark the official opening

The Ministry of Education official shared her wish, as do young people visiting the green space.

“My wish is that our young learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to become dedicated citizens and protect Malawi’s wildlife and wild spaces for generations to come,” she said.

Banda commended LWT and its partners for delivering vital environmental lessons to learners.

The new centre in the capital city’s protected natural forest will deliver environmental lessons full of fun activities in its lush setting.

Banda said: “Playing is a great way for children to learn.

“It is important that we ensure that our children and young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect our environment. I see this as an essential part of the education our schools are providing and I very much welcome Lilongwe Wildlife Trust’s support in achieving this.”

The centre offers children lessons on how to conserve wildlife and habitats as well as water and waste management.

Banda said everyone needs to learn how to manage waste better to stop the dumping of garbage in rivers, lakes and open grounds.

LWT trustee Julie Saunders said the centre, funded by the United Nations Development Programme and other partners, offers children a perfect place to learn about nature and wildlife.

Education has been at the heart of LWT work since its inception in 2008.

According to director of programmes Dorothy Tembo-Nhlema, the education programme has taught over 185 000 children from over 600 schools since 2009.

She said: “This is important not just because we want to protect wild animals and beautiful places, but because all of us depend on a healthy environment for a good life as highlighted by this year’s International Human Rights’ Day theme: ‘The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for all’.

“If we want to drink clean water, grow good crops and breathe clean air, we all need to take care of our environment.”

The Ministry of Education, through Malawi Institute of Education and Directorate of Quality Assurance Services, is developing environmental and wildlife resource books for primary school learners.

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